Does your attic room have hidden potential? – Project 1

The attic is a large, often underappreciated and underutilised space in many homes. However, there is so much you can do with your attic to turn it into a cosy space to relax in, a room to explore hobbies and crafts, or even a room for you to transform into a home office or gym. There are plenty of options for you to choose from!

In other words…does your attic have hidden potential?

Read on to learn some of the best ways homeowners around the UK are using their attics, as well as what you need to do to prep your attic room for daily use.

And, when you’re ready to get started, simply post a job to request a quote from a skilled tradesperson in your local area.

How can I use my attic?

There are plenty of different ways you could use your underutilised attic space. What you choose to do with yours will depend on your hobbies and preferences. Below are a few ideas to inspire you, and to help you get started on brainstorming your dream attic:

1. Art studio or workshop – a space to create anything from pottery to art to furniture, why not turn your attic into a place to explore your creative side?
2. A home office – with more of us working from home, a dedicated space to work in would be highly convenient
3. Reading nook – why not turn your attic into a mini-library, complete with armchairs and cosy blankets to curl up in when it’s raining outside
4. Home gym – no more excuses for missing leg day! Turn your unused attic into your own personal gym to exercise in
5. Guest bedroom – add value to your property by creating another bedroom for friends and guests to stay over in
6. Walk-in wardrobe – have too many clothes and don’t know where to put them? Imagine a whole room just for your clothing!

Once you’ve picked how you want to use your attic, you’ll need to assess what condition it’s in, and what work you’ll need to do to turn it into a liveable space…

Assessing your attic

Before you can set up your new gym or guest bedroom, you need to find out what condition your attic is in by getting an assessment done.

This will help you evaluate the current state of your attic and will reveal any hidden issues (such as structural concerns) that you’ll need to address before you can complete any renovation work.

You’ll need to consider:

• Access to the attic (built-in staircase, pull-down ladder, etc)
• Attic insulation
• Potential pest infestations
• Potential water stains/damaged roof
• New flooring
• Natural light and ventilation
• The structural stability of load-bearing walls

A loft conversion specialist will be able to help you understand the condition your attic is in, and the work you’ll need to carry out to turn it into a liveable space. Speak to a skilled tradesperson in your area to get started.

How do you renovate an attic?

Once you’ve figured out the scope of your project, you’ll be able to get started turning your old, unused attic into a brand new space. You may need:

1. An electrician to install new lighting and carry out an electrical assessment
2. A flooring specialist to install new floors (or you could get a carpet fitted instead)
3. A window fitter to install a new skylight that introduces light and air to the space. You may also need to get a HVAC specialist to install new vents and heating/cooling systems
4. An insulation specialist to properly insulate the space and ensure it stays warm during the winter
5. A painter to give your walls a fresh layer of paint
6. A door fitter to install the new entrance to your attic

Not sure what you need? Speak to a loft conversion specialist to get some advice (and a quote) for your project.

How do you decorate your attic?

Once you’ve renovated the space so that it’s safe and liveable, you’ll want to decorate it! How you do this will depend on what you’re planning to use the space for, but we have a few tips to help you get started.

• Opt for light colours for your walls and floors as attics tend to have less natural light and low ceilings. Lighter colours create a sense of spaciousness and reflect natural light better
• Use mirrors to create the illusion of depth and reflect light around your attic
• Add flowers and greenery to bring the space to life. Make sure you choose indoor plants that thrive well with little light such as snake plants, peace lily, Chinese evergreen, pathos and cast iron plants
• To maximise the space, choose multi-functional furniture such as sofa beds and fold out desks. For more space-saving tips, check out our clever design solutions for small homes
• Attics tend to have sloped ceilings and angled spaces. Hire a carpenter to create bespoke, custom-built furniture that fits into every nook and helps you maximise your available storage
• Invest in a range of lighting options such as ambient, accent and task lights that will allow you to create the right mood for your attic
• Where possible, stick to an open plan layout to prevent your attic feeling cramped. Declutter the space and opt for a minimalistic interior design to help open the room up as much as possible

Whether you’re buying weights for your new gym or measuring shelves for a home library, these are a few tips you can follow to help your attic seem spacious and light, whilst making the most of good storage solutions and hacks.

Speak to a tradesperson today to get help building and installing custom furniture for your attic.

Don’t let your attic sit unused when it could become a beautiful new room in your home! Unlock a cosy new space with the help of skilled tradespeople in your local area. Simply post a job today to get started.